Serena Secret

"Serena is still a virgin."

"WHAT?!"

Frau practically screamed in disbelief at what he had just heard. "What makes you think Serena is still a virgin? She's been married for over a decade, darling," he added once he calmed down a bit.

"The way she reacted when I teased her… it was like someone who's never been touched," Iril replied with a tone full of certainty.

"A woman who's been touched by a man, even if it's been a long time, reacts differently, Babe. But Serena… it's like she's never even been kissed. Just mentioning a kiss got her all flustered. That means, during her marriage with Andre... they never really had a husband-and-wife relationship."

Frau remained silent, just listening to her wife's frustration.

"I know their marriage started as a contract between families, but I saw with my own eyes that Serena was serious about it. She invested her heart and feelings into that marriage. But in the end..." Iril's voice began to tremble, and her eyes turned red as she held back tears.

Frau immediately pulled Iril into his arms. He couldn't bear seeing his wife in pain.

"That's all in the past, sweetheart. Andre is gone now. And now there's Ren. I believe Ren can make Serena happy," Frau said gently, trying to soothe her.

"I know... But I can't accept how Andre treated Serena!" Iril cried out.

"From the beginning, I had a bad feeling about that man. I never liked him. And now, it turns out I was right—he was messed up!"

Frau just held Iril tighter, letting her release all her emotions. Even though Andre was no longer alive, for Frau, letting Iril pour out her anger was far more important for her peace of mind.

_________________

Meanwhile...

Adrian frowned when Kelly Summer teased him by brushing her foot against his under the dinner table.

"Could you please stop?" Adrian asked, glaring.

"Oh... why? Don't you like it?" Kelly teased with a seductive smile.

Maybe other men would've surrendered instantly, but Adrian? No.

"NO, I don't," he said firmly.

Kelly paused for a moment. Usually, men were easy prey for her beauty—sexy, charming, and confident. But Adrian? He was different.

"Then why did you invite me to dinner if you don't like me?" Kelly finally asked.

"My grandfather forced me," Adrian replied honestly.

Kelly chuckled softly. She had only agreed to come because her parents asked her to. At first, she wasn't interested, but after seeing Adrian's photo, she changed her mind. Yet all her plans to seduce him, to lure him into bed… failed miserably.

"Are you sure you'll never like me?" Kelly asked curiously.

"Absolutely sure."

Adrian's response was unwavering.

Kelly now looked serious.

"Is it because you already like someone else?"

Adrian didn't answer, but his expression changed as he thought of Riri.

Kelly noticed it.

"Ahh… so there is someone you like," she said with a sly smile, then added in a challenging tone,

"I don't mind that you have someone else. Once we sleep together, you'll forget all about her."

Adrian glared at her.

"I will never sleep with you."

Kelly was even more intrigued. No man had ever turned her down.

Suddenly, she stood up and started to take off her already-revealing dress. Adrian was startled, his eyes wide. He immediately turned his back to her.

"Put your clothes back on!" he commanded.

"Why? Aren't you tempted? We can do it right here, right now!" she dared him.

Without responding, Adrian gave her one sharp look before walking out of the room, leaving Kelly standing there—confused, embarrassed, and even more curious.

___________________

The next morning…

Serena came downstairs and found Adrian sitting blankly on the sofa, still wearing the same suit from the night before.

"Just got back?" Serena asked as she sat across from him.

"Mom..." Adrian looked a bit surprised.

Before Serena could say more, Adrian's phone vibrated on the table.

Grandpa —flashed on the screen.

Mr. Shine had been calling nonstop, but Adrian ignored it.

"Aren't you going to answer?" Serena asked.

Adrian shook his head slowly.

"You should get some rest," Serena said gently, noticing how exhausted her son looked.

Adrian nodded.

As he was about to go to his room, he paused and looked at his mother.

Serena was wearing a plain white t-shirt and short denim jeans, her hair tied up in a simple bun.

"Are you going somewhere?" Adrian asked.

"Yes."

"With Auntie Iril?"

"No. With Ren."

Adrian went silent, staring at his mother. Serena returned the gaze, curious about his reaction after learning she would be going out with Ren.

Several seconds passed—just silence and exchanged looks—until Adrian finally let out a long sigh.

"Then… take care, Mom."

Serena gave a faint smile. Those few words were enough to ease her heart that morning.

When Serena stepped out of the house, she immediately saw Ren's car neatly parked at the front gate.

Without hesitation, she walked toward it.

"Good morning," Serena greeted with a soft smile.

"Morning," Ren replied, immediately taking her hand in his.

Lately, Ren had developed a new habit—he always wanted to hold Serena's hand. At first, she felt awkward, but over time, she got used to it, even finding comfort in it.

"You look beautiful," Ren said with a warm gaze.

Serena chuckled softly. "I'm just wearing a t-shirt and jeans, you know."

"To me, you're always beautiful… no matter what you wear."

"That's such a sweet thing to say," Serena murmured, though her smile remained.

Ren chuckled softly in return.

Without much more talk, they headed off to their date destination.

The ride was filled with light conversation and soft laughter.

Every now and then, Ren would glance at Serena in the passenger seat, then look back at the road with an uncontrollable smile.

"So... where are we going today?"

Serena asked, playfully twirling her fingers still clasped in his.

Ren gave her a quick glance and answered mysteriously,

"It's a surprise. But I'm sure you'll love it."

Serena rolled her eyes lightly, pretending to be annoyed.

"Ugh, you're such a tease."

Ren laughed softly.

"If I tell you now, it won't be fun. Be patient, okay?"

After about thirty minutes of driving, Ren's car turned onto a small road surrounded by tall, leafy trees. The air felt cooler, and the city noise faded, replaced by birdsong and the whisper of the breeze.

Serena started to guess,

"Don't tell me… you're taking me camping?"

Ren just smiled and nodded slightly, then parked the car in a small open area with a view of a distant lake.

"What do you think? Do you like it? When I'm stressed and need a place to think, I always come here,"

Ren said as he opened the door and invited Serena out.

Serena stepped out of the car and looked around with wide, sparkling eyes. Peaceful, quiet, and beautiful.

"I can see why you like this place..." she said softly.

Ren stood beside her, still holding her hand.

"Now it means even more… because you're here."

Serena turned to look at Ren, her eyes warm.

Without words, they sat on the mat Ren had brought from the trunk, enjoying the gentle breeze and peaceful silence.

And in that stillness, their hearts spoke more than any words ever could.